Integrated confocal luminescence spectrometer with spatiotemporal resolution and multiphoton excitation

• Subject Area: Molecular Chemistry
• Term: Funded in 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 435890300

The photophysical investigation of functional materials plays a fundamental role towards an in-depth understanding of luminescent excited state properties at sub- and supramolecular level. For ongoing and future projects at local, national and international level, state of the art spectrally and temporally resolved luminescence analysis techniques need to be combined with the high spatial and temporal resolution of confocal optical microscopy with multiphoton excitation capabilities (including luminescence lifetime imaging microscopy). This will constitute a unique combination that is presently not available in this particular form. Measuring the luminescence of monomeric or aggregated molecular emitters in solutions, homogeneous matrices, fibres, mono- or multilayers, thin films, amorphous powders, crystals, nano- or microparticles with spectral, spatial and temporal resolution at variable temperatures poses a particular challenge due to the highly scattering nature of condensed phases and interfaces. This also applies when the excited state properties of photosensitizers, fluorescent or phosphorescent probes need to be assessed with spectral, spatial and temporal resolution in culture media, bacteria, biofilms, organelles, cells and tissues. In particular, the specific interactions with matrixial, bacterial and eukaryotic (hosts cells or protozoic parasites) components need to be monitored in situ. Moreover, two-photon absorption cross-sections will be determined in homogeneous phases. These challenges will be overcome with the requested instrumentation, which will also enable the assessment of two-photon excitability to reach deep lying structures for bioimaging and phototherapy.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Integriertes konfokales Lumineszenzspektrometer mit Multiphotonenanregung
• Instrumentation Group: 1850 Spektralfluorometer, Lumineszenz-Spektrometer (außer Filterfluorometer
• Applicant Institution: Universität Münster
• Leader: Professor Dr. Cristian Alejandro Strassert